N. Korea revamps facility, technology for missile launch: source

By Sam Kim
SEOUL, Feb. 5 (Yonhap) -- North Korea may need less preparation time than before
to test-fire its advanced missile, as the communist state has refurbished its
launch pad and improved its rocket technology over the years, an intelligence
source said Thursday.
The source also confirmed that the latest object spotted by U.S. and South Korean
intelligence agencies is believed to be North Korea's longest-range missile, the
Taepodong-2.
The comment came as North Korea has scrapped all cross-border deals with the
South and warned of an armed clash near their western sea border, sharply raising
tension on the divided peninsula.
The source added it remains unknown whether the North has developed technology to
mount a nuclear warhead on the missile believed to be capable of reaching U.S.
territory.
samkim@yna.co.kr
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